HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN) is a kidney disease caused by the AIDS virus.

HIVAN is the third leading cause of kidney disease in African Americans; only diabetes and high blood pressure are more common causes. HIVAN (pdf) occurs more frequently in African Americans with HIV than in Caucasians with HIV. It is not clear why this is so, but the cause is believed to be a genetic predisposition.

Essentially, HIV stops the kidney's normal function, causing chronic damage. There are usually no physical signs, but as the disease progresses, frequent complaints include foamy urine, swellings of arms and legs, extreme tiredness, a loss of appetite, muscle cramps and dry, itching skin.

1. Urine test. If blood or protein is present, this may be an early sign that the virus is damaging the kidney.

2. Blood pressure measurement. If your pressure is high, this can contribute to more damage to your kidneys.

3. Creatinine blood test. A high reading may indicate that your kidneys are damaged.

Antiretroviral agents are given to control the amount of virus in the kidneys. If HIVAN is not treated, HIV may permanently damage the kidney, and the patient may require dialysis to live.

Some patients may experience HIVAN when their T cell counts are low (less than 200) or viral load (amount of virus in the body) is extremely high. To decrease your risk of HIVAN, begin antiretroviral medications promptly as prescribed by your doctor.

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